Devices and methods to enhance accuracy of magnetoelastic torque sensors
OwnerRyan Kariinventor
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Abstract
This invention concerns magnetoelastic torque sensor systems and methods that computationally compensate in real-time for magnetic hysteresis in signals output from sense elements that are indicative of a torque parameter sensed from a remanently circumferentially magnetized region of an associated torque-transmitting member when it experiences an applied torque. In preferred embodiments, temperature effects can also be compensated for by such methods and systems.
Claims14
A computerized method of real-time hysteresis compensation in a signal indicative of a sensed torque parameter experienced by a ferromagnetic member upon application of a torque, the method comprising:
- (a) using a sense element disposed in sensing relation to a remanently circumferentially magnetized region of a torque-transmitting member to sense a magnetic parameter of the remanently circumferentially magnetized region, wherein the sense element generates a signal indicative of a sensed torque parameter from the torque-transmitting member upon application of a torque to the torque-transmitting member, wherein the signal indicative of the sensed torque parameter exhibits magnetic hysteresis;
- and
- (b) using a computer comprising a processor, memory, and power supply to computationally process the signal to compensate in real-time for the magnetic hysteresis in the signal indicative of the sensed torque parameter, wherein the computer processing of the signal indicative of the sensed torque parameter utilizes information for the torque-transmitting member that is correlated with a torque history or a degree of prior magnetic hysteresis compensation for at least one signal indicative of the sensed torque parameter upon prior application of a torque to the torque-transmitting member, thereby compensating for magnetic hysteresis in the signal in real-time.
An automated, real-time magnetic hysteresis-compensating torque measurement system, comprising:
- (a) a torque-transmitting member having at least one remanently circumferentially magnetized region;
- (b) a sense element disposed in sensing relation to the remanently circumferentially magnetized region of the torque-transmitting member to sense a magnetic parameter of the remanently circumferentially magnetized region, wherein the sense element is configured to output a signal indicative of a torque parameter from the torque-transmitting member upon application of a torque to the torque-transmitting member, wherein the signal indicative of the sensed torque parameter exhibits magnetic hysteresis;
- (c) a processor operatively associated with the sense element and configured to (i) process signals output from the sense element to determine the torque parameter and (ii) compensate in real-time for magnetic hysteresis in the remanently circumferentially magnetized region(s) of the torque-transmitting member;
- (d) a memory operatively associated with the processor and configured to store data representing a torque history or degree of prior magnetic hysteresis compensation in one or more signals indicative of the sensed torque parameter upon application of a torque to the torque-transmitting member;
- and
- (e) a power supply to provide electrical enemy for the torque measuring system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.